02 November 2004

Imagine it pouring, it’s raining down on us
Mosh pits outside the oval office
Someone’s tryina tell us something,
Maybe this is god just sayin’ we’re responsible
For this monster, this coward,
That we have empowered…
–Eminem, “Mosh”

If you haven’t watched Eminem’s new video, watch it here. If you’re a Kerry voter and think you already know all about it, ditch your party colors and play it again. 

If you’re a Bush voter and think you can’t take it, stick your politics in your hat andstudy it. Sure, it’s partisan. More interestingly, it’s religion, that of sword-tongued street preachers, liberation theologians, exorcists, apocalypse ranchers, weather watchers, and all true snake handlers. John of Patmos and Ezekiel and Jeremiah. Paranoid; terrifying; brilliant. Right or wrong, Eminem has grabbed the prophetic mantle like no other musician or writer in America right now (no living journalist need apply). But he’s no messiah — he’s grabbed the mantle and turned it into black hoodies for everyone. So put yours on and remember this picture, this angry preacher, this scripture writer, this crazy freedom fighter, thesepissed-off veterans, the real lyrics to this song, these American voters. Regardless of who wins tonight, Eminem’s “Mosh” is the soundtrack of this election day. Whoever can’t hear it isn’t listening.

–JS